A client generously gifted me a six-bottle case of ultra-luxury champagne Boêrl & Kroff. After witnessing the market value increase, I made the decision to sell three bottles at a significant premium, while retaining the remaining three bottles. These were served to guests at my wedding celebration in July 2019, where their exceptional quality and rarity made them a memorable highlight of our special day.

I've tried several whiskies throughout various tastings at our events and after some time my palette became more refined and Tamdhu is a personal favourite with its caramel finish. I discovered this at a tasting we had at one of our prestigious events.

I've been drinking whiskies for over 15 years. When people ask me what's my favourite, this is like asking, what is your favourite song? Who has only one favourite song!?When people ask me this kind of question at the pub, I tell them about the distilleries – which I respect the most for their innovation and attention to craft.

On my birthday one year, I was given a bottle of Silver Oak 2009, and it quickly became a favourite. The elegance and depth of that wine left such an impression that I haven’t found anything quite as exceptional since.

Before discovering fine whisky, my passion was cocktails, I was drawn to their creativity and the rhythm of life behind the bar. That changed when I first tasted Redbreast Irish Whiskey, a spirit that revealed the quiet depth and craftsmanship behind great distillation and aging. From there, I fell in love with the refinement of Cognac and, eventually, the honeyed, waxy joy of old Clynelish. What began as curiosity has become a lifelong pursuit of finding new bottles and discovering their taste and stories. At Hackstons, I’m proud to share that same spirit of discovery with every client who walks through our doors.

My career in wine started in hospitality, culminating with becoming a certified Sommelier in 2015. Along the way I have had many different roles within the vine industry, including sales, broking, logistics, and admin. I was raised near the Napa Valley in California, and my travels have led me to explore wine regions around the world. While wine is my main focus, I have been excited to learn more about whisky and spirits at my time at Hackstons.Memorable drinking experience: The owner of a wine shop I worked at in the states opened a bottle of 1908 D'Oliveras Boal Madeira for the staff. It was incredible how much life was still in a wine so old, and drinking history in a glass like that was humbling. A true testament to how special wine can be.

Before discovering wine, my passion was finance—I was drawn to its complexity and structure. That changed when I began working with an independent winemaker in the Southern Rhône, where I fell in love with the beauty of such a noble product. Since then, I've worked with a producer in Jurançon and at a few wine bars in London, and what started as curiosity has grown into a true calling. My drink of choice? Any old vintage from Cornas, Côte-Rôtie, or Crozes-Hermitage, alongside a nice côte de Boeuf.

I left my banking career in Hong Kong to follow my passion for the wine and spirits industry, with a special focus on whisky. My interest was sparked through whisky tastings in bars around the world, where | discovered the remarkable depth and diversity of fine spirits. As I explored further, I became captivated by the craftsmanship, complexity, and rich traditions behind spirit production. A highlight of this journey was my visit to Islay, where I experienced distillery operations up close and deepened my appreciation for the artistry of whisky making.

My journey with wine began during my second year at university in Ukraine, when I took a job selling wine in a local supermarket. What started as a student job soon became something much bigger. Bottle by bottle, conversation by conversation, I discovered a passion that has shaped my career ever since.As my knowledge grew, so did my curiosity. I travelled through the vineyards of France, Italy and Spain, learning directly from the people behind the wines. Scotland also left a lasting impression on me, where I fell in love with its dramatic landscapes, rich whisky heritage and remarkable distilleries.For as long as I can remember, I dreamed of one day working in London — a city where I could continue to grow both professionally and personally. Today, that dream is my reality. I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of the Hackstons team, surrounded by exceptional wines, rare whiskies and, most importantly, supportive colleagues who share the same passion for excellence.I truly believe that every bottle has a story, and every customer has their own reason for choosing it. Being able to connect those stories is what I enjoy most about my work.My personal motto: “The road is made by those who keep walking.”

History and wine have always been closely intertwined, both shaped by culture, heritage and cuisine, and I have always loved exploring those connections. This love has driven my career in wine, taking me through independent retail and hospitality, as well as working as a vendangeur during multiple harvests in Champagne and Gelderland. Working alongside biodynamic producers gave me a real appreciation for the care and craftsmanship involved in viticulture and vinification, from the soil to the bottle.I am currently completing my WSET Level 4 Diploma in Wine and particularly enjoy sharing my knowledge through curated tastings. I hand-pick the wines and lead guests through different regions, vineyards and periods of history, bringing together the aspects of wine I find most interesting. Outside of wine, I am particularly fond of oude jenever, the traditional Dutch style of aged gin.

In life, there's always time to celebrate, whether it's a big milestone or a quiet moment of joy, a bottle of Ruinart Blanc De Blanc makes every occasion feel a little more special. Likewise you cant go wrong with a glass of Chablis Grand Cru. Each sip is an invitation to slow down and appreciate the artistry and tradition behind these exceptional wines.

White wine has a special place in my heart for its refreshing qualities and versatility. The crisp, vibrant flavours can elevate any occasion, whether I'm enjoying a sunny afternoon on the patio or sharing a meal with friends. I love how white wine pairs beautifully with a variety of foods, enhancing both the dish and the experience. It’s a celebration in a glass, inviting laughter, conversation, and the simple joy of savouring life’s moments.

For me, a great drink is never just about what’s in the glass, it’s about the feeling it creates. I’m drawn to the delicate floral notes of St-Germain in a beautifully balanced cocktail or the effortless charm of a pale Provence rosé on a warm evening. The best pours are the ones shared with my mum and sister, where laughter flows just as easily as the drinks.